Librarian by Day

Here is the deal, my RSS reader, its overwhelmed, I have waaaayyy too many blogs in it.  I’ve tried weeding (something I’m known for being good at around the library) and I’m still not down far enough.  I think I have a new plan. I’m going to unsubscribe to everything.  If its good and worthwhile it will find its way back right?

So if you were going to recommend 5 blogs to someone starting a new reader account what would they be?

It looks like there is another Library themed meme making the rounds, this one started by Meredith Farkas at Information Wants To Be Free, I spotted over on David’s blog weeks ago but never imagined it would get around to me. Both The Bald Trainer & Beth Tribe tagged me for this one, so I better get on it.

Q1) How or why did I start to get into blogging?

I’d had a personal blog for a while and in fact I’d started this blog at one point then deleted all the posts in July of 2007 to get a fresh start.  I started this blog as more of a record for me, as I said in one of my very first posts, as a record of my adventures in libraryland.

Q2) How did I gain an audience?

I’m not sure.  As I look back over some of my older posts I cringe a little.  Some of what I thought were my best posts got very little attention (hey look! There’s the first time I said “if you build it they will come – or maybe not”, I say this in most of my presentations)  I’d like to think it’s been by providing useful information combined with my wit and charm.

Q3) What advice would you give to new bloggers who want to make a name for themselves in the biblioblogosphere?

Don’t be afraid to let your personality show through.  Think about the blogs you read and why you read them.  Know who your audience is, libraryland is really big, it’s hard to aim for everyone.  It’s ok to have an opinion, and it’s ok to change your mind later about your opinion. Be honest.  Be kind.

I’ve been managing MRRL’s blog for a couple of months now. Just getting staff used to the idea and getting them excited about it. With the New Year came the “official” kick off of the blog. There are now other contributes on a regular basis and an “official” calender of when posts are sent to publish Robin has even got the blog showing up on the Library’s front page. All in all some very exciting things are happening!

We started something today I think tops all of them. Our “We Want to Know What You Think” question! Each month the Director will provide a question we’d like feedback from the public on. As a public library we’re always looking for feedback from our patrons, this is a great way to get focused specific feedback on the questions we’re wondering about!